The world of teen modeling often shimmers with allure—fashion shows, photo shoots, and the promise of fame. For many teenagers, it’s a dream career that promises glamour and creativity. However, the path to success is far more complex than it appears, fraught with challenges and risks that accompany the potential rewards.
For aspiring teen models, the appeal is undeniable. Modeling offers opportunities for creative expression, travel, and exposure to the fashion and entertainment industries. It can also serve as a platform for building self-confidence and connecting with like-minded creatives. Success stories of young models landing major campaigns or becoming household names fuel the dream, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
The journey to becoming a successful teen model is anything but smooth. The industry is fiercely competitive, with casting calls often bringing rejection after rejection. Many teens struggle to balance school commitments with the demands of modeling, including travel, photo shoots, and fittings.
Additionally, the industry’s strict beauty standards can be mentally and physically taxing. Constant scrutiny of one’s appearance can lead to insecurity or unhealthy habits as teens try to meet expectations. The pressure to maintain a specific look while navigating the formative teenage years can take a toll on self-esteem.
Teen models are particularly vulnerable to exploitation. Scams are common, with fraudulent “agencies” preying on young hopefuls. Even within legitimate spaces, teens may face inappropriate requests or unsafe working conditions. Without proper guidance, they may sign unfavorable contracts that limit their control over their careers.
Furthermore, the industry’s demand for perfection can contribute to long-term mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, or eating disorders. Families must be vigilant, ensuring their children are supported emotionally and professionally.
Despite its challenges, modeling can offer valuable life lessons. It teaches discipline, professionalism, and resilience. For those who succeed, the rewards can be significant—financial independence, global exposure, and the chance to influence industries beyond fashion. Many models leverage their platforms to advocate for causes or launch secondary careers in acting, design, or business.
For teens considering modeling, preparation is key. Research reputable agencies, involve parents or guardians in decision-making, and set clear boundaries. Prioritize education and personal well-being, and never compromise integrity for success.
Modeling, like any career, comes with risks and rewards. For those ready to navigate its highs and lows, it can be a transformative journey—but only when approached with caution and care.
In the vibrant world of fashion, creativity knows no bounds, yet representation often falls short. Enter a groundbreaking comic strip that centers on the journey of a Black fashion designer, illuminating both the struggles and triumphs faced in an industry rife with challenges. This comic strip serves not only as entertainment but also as a powerful medium for social commentary.
Artwork by Antoinette Naseef, Copyright 2024
The protagonist, inspired by real-life figures like Ann Lowe and Dapper Dan, navigates the complexities of the fashion industry while grappling with personal and cultural identity. Each panel showcases the designer’s evolution, from sketching designs in a cramped apartment to showcasing at prestigious fashion shows. The character’s journey is punctuated by moments of doubt, systemic racism, and the relentless pursuit of acceptance in a predominantly white industry.
Artwork by Antoinette Naseef, Copyright 2024
Visually, the comic strip bursts with color and style, reflecting the richness of Black culture. Each outfit designed by the protagonist serves as a canvas for storytelling, incorporating traditional African motifs and modern aesthetics. The art style blends realism with a whimsical flair, drawing readers into the designer’s world. Fashion becomes not just a profession but a form of self-expression and cultural pride.
The narrative arc emphasizes community support, showcasing interactions with family, friends, and fellow artists. These relationships highlight the importance of mentorship and solidarity, reminding readers that success is often a collective journey. Through witty dialogue and heartfelt moments, the comic strip captures the spirit of resilience, inspiring aspiring designers to embrace their unique perspectives.
Artwork by Antoinette Naseef, Copyright 2024
Moreover, the strip addresses broader societal issues, prompting discussions about diversity in fashion and the need for inclusivity. It challenges stereotypes and encourages readers to celebrate differences rather than conform to mainstream ideals.
In conclusion, this comic strip about a Black fashion designer is more than just a story; it is a celebration of creativity, identity, and resilience. By weaving together fashion and storytelling, it inspires a new generation to break barriers and redefine the narrative in the fashion world.
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Antoinette Naseef
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Antoinette Naseef is a formally trained artist and designer. She is based in Philadelphia. Her works are inspired by Nature, ancient Ethiopian art and pop culture. Antoinette’s Work has been featured in New York Fashion Week, Galleries, events and web publications.
I have written multiple posts here about my professional life. The summary if you’re new here, and to my ramblings, is that I have a lengthy nonprofit fundraising background. In 2019, I landed what seemed to be my dream job. But just like an actual dream sometimes does, after a while if became more like a nightmare. I landed on my feet, in a position where I’m doing great things, being valued for who I am, what I bring to the organization and being fairly compensated for it all. However, again, just like flashes of nightmares rear their ugly heads during waking hours, my old job pops in to haunt me every now and then.
When I left my previous role, I can count on one hand – actually, one finger – the number of people I chose to give permission to contact me personally. We occasionally send messages to check in, say hello, catch up. It had been months since I last heard from them. Until a few weeks ago. “Kat, I miss you. There is so much to tell you, can I call you after work today?” You bet I cleared my plans for the rest of the night to take that call. I am so glad I did.
Let me back up quite a few paces to when I was still working for the previous organization. In many companies, a change in leadership often leads to some staffing changes, people leave, new people start, positions change, structure changes, policies changes. It’s not at all unusual. However, when the changes start to feel heavy and unnecessary, and good people are forced out, it’s hard to stay positive. That’s what happened to my dream job. The chosen replacement for the individual who hired me, encouraged and trusted me, and built an incredible team of passionate talented people, was abruptly removed from the position.
Shortly after the beginning of that end, one of the newer members of my team suddenly took an interest in me and my role. They often came to my desk to talk about my work, my workload, and unprompted by any of my words or actions, expressed that I must be stressed and overwhelmed with it all. That became the frequent theme of conversation; and it was odd. Something about it, just wasn’t sitting right. I kept asking myself, are they trying to make me feel stressed? Should I be responding to my job in a way other than I am? What is the point of this repeated conversation? It was enough for me to keep them at a distance and stay wary, while still working together as needed.
It was right around this strange time when the new boss was announced to replace the one I had built such a wonderful working relationship with. I tried to stay open minded. Within the first few weeks, each person was scheduled for a one-on-one introductory meeting. Mine was the last on the agenda. I came prepared with everything about what I did on a daily basis, prepared for any questions they might have. We had an hour. The first question I was asked threw me for a bit of a loop. It was about the organization I worked in prior to this one, and one person in particular from that team. The tone of the question made it feel like my answer would set the stage for not only the rest of this meeting, but my position with the team. I carefully acknowledged, yes, I knew that person, but we never worked very closely and they left before I did. I left out my feelings relating to the absolutely unhinged series of accusations and comments lodged at me by this person regarding someone else’s inappropriate behavior toward me! I also watched in absolute horror as the indicators on my new boss’s smart watch flashed over a dozen new text messages from the very same person. Yikes, not a good start.
Life over the next few months in and out of the office wasn’t great. Home repairs and family stress on top of increased pressure and unvoiced expectations from my new boss were making me ill. The colleague I had kept at arms length had been given a wildly unexpected promotion within our department. It was abundantly clear that the role was by far outside of their scope of experience. It wasn’t my call but I congratulated them all the same. Work that had been done by the person in that role previously, though, suddenly was finding its way onto my desk with no instruction on how to complete it or the technical access needed to do so. I made it clear that this had never been a function of my role. I would be happy to learn it and eventually adopt it, but needed time to learn and understand it. That statement was met with the ultimatum of do it now or don’t work here anymore. By the time I walked the dozen or so steps from the boss’ office to my shared cubicle space, there was an email message to HR summarizing and documenting the discussion about my failure to meet the expectations of my job. There was nothing constructive, there were no official action steps, progress improvement plans, or even consequences stated. I was in panic mode. I pressed the newly-promoted colleague for assistance as the new to me tasks were formerly theirs. I got very little help directly. I found out quickly that they couldn’t help because they didn’t know how; which explained how it got onto my desk in the first place. A consultant eventually provided the solution and I carried on with my newly assigned work.
I wish I could say that was the end of it and I continued happy along with just an increased workload. But sadly, that’s not even close. Human Resources never even acknowledged receipt of the “failure to perform” email. I had no follow up meetings about it. In fact, it was never again mentioned. Meetings with my boss were rare, and rarely longer than five minutes unless the boss had strong feelings about a project, and by that I mean absolutely disagreed with everything I had done and demanded it be redone. I felt ignored and unsupported unless I was being reprimanded. Yet, every project I led was successful, raising literal millions of dollars.I was confused and stressed, preparing every day to be fired. The only upside was that the strange conversations stopped. My concerned colleague was ignoring me too, but was always in the boss’ office. My gut was screaming at me that something wasn’t right. People all around us were resigning, often being escorted out of the building instead of working out their two weeks’ notice.
I confided in the one trusted person I mentioned previously. They absolutely agreed with me that something had shifted. We commiserated daily about how much of a downhill slide morale had taken and took every opportunity to make one another laugh through the frustrations. When even those laughs weren’t enough, I began to look for a new position and soon I announced my resignation. The sheer relief on the boss’ face that day was off-putting, I had never seen them so happy. The joyful congratulations given to me by the other colleague I was wary of was equally disturbing. They were chatting animatedly, and very quietly and privately, for a good portion of that day. They even arranged my farewell happy hour, strangely insisting on a particular place I had never been and couldn’t enjoy much offered on their menu due to dietary restrictions. I went, and was for the most part ignored by them which was fine by me. I made it out. And very shortly after that boss was gone too, though I didn’t much care.
Back to present day. When the phone rang that night, I immediately picked up. After exchanging all the normal pleasantries one would expect of former colleagues who haven’t spoken in months, we dove right into it. The colleague I was wary of resigned but not before letting slip something extremely interesting. Back when that ‘new’ boss had been announced, this colleague reached out to them on a professional networking channel to unofficially welcome them to the organization. They met for dinner prior to the official start date informing and inviting no one else from the department. They discussed, at length, the weaknesses of the team. Guess who topped that list? Guess who, coincidentally, thought they would be great at the job if given the chance? I suppose this person felt a sense of “what are they going to do fire me?” once their resignation was tendered especially since neither I nor that boss were working there any longer. They held this knowledge in for nearly three years. I wonder if it was relief or pride they felt in finally expressing it to someone else.
I sat on the phone absolutely dumbfounded for a minute after the story (and a few intersecting stories, because you know a proper catch up session is never a linear occurrence!) ended. And then it all just came spilling out in an expletive filled rant that I can sum up in four words: I F*CKING KNEW IT.
From the first strange conversation, to the introductory meeting centering on my relationship with a previous colleague, to the already drafted email that went to HR immediately after an unplanned meeting about my failure to perform tasks that were never mine, my gut was warning something wasn’t right. As paranoid as it seemed, I felt as if there was a plot brewing against me.Every day the feeling progressively grew, intentionally fostered by two other people, until I had to remove myself from the situation. And I wasn’t paranoid or crazy. I was right. My gut was right, I am so glad I trusted it. I can’t imagine that I wouldn’t have been fired if I didn’t leave on my own. They were actively setting me up to fail. I don’t have to imagine to what end.One person believed another’s made up claims about me and I was in the other’s way.
I never wish ill on anyone. I just hope that one day, the way they treated – and mistreated – others in the act of self-service is delivered back to them and they get everything they deserve, nothing less. Do unto others and all that…
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Kitchie Ohh. Photo: Michael Bann, Copyright 2024
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Kitchie Ohh is a full-time professional fundraiser who has worked with a number of health and human services nonprofits in the Philadelphia area over the last 20 years. She found her passion for modeling after a pinup-style photoshoot in 2013. Since then, she has worked with many talented photographers, stylists, hair and makeup artists in a variety of styles. She has been featured in- and on the covers of – multiple print and digital publications. Over the years, she has branched out from pinup studio modeling to serve as a figure model for live sketching, walked a runway, and was part of two campaigns for Philadelphia designer K. Vaughn.
In addition to her philanthropy-focused career, she has volunteered with art, historical, and community organizations, and even the events team of a local brewery for a while, pre-pandemic.
You’re just as likely to find her whipping up something deliciously plant-based in her kitchen or knitting a sweater as you are to find her on a photography set. Her motto is “be both.” The model and the homemaker, sultry and sweet, serious and silly. All the things, all at once. To access additional articles by Kitchie Ohh, link here:https://tonyward.com/kitchie-ohh-overwhelmed/
Swipe Right, Swipe Wrong: The Successes, Risks, and Failures of Online Dating
In today’s fast-paced, digitally-driven world, online dating has emerged as a popular avenue for finding love, connection, or even a fleeting encounter. With millions of users globally, platforms like Tinder, Bumble, and Match.com have revolutionized the way people meet and form relationships. However, the journey from a virtual match to a real-life connection is fraught with both potential successes and significant risks, as well as the possibility of failure.
The Successes: Love at First Swipe
The success stories are compelling. Many couples have found long-lasting relationships, marriages, and even families through online dating platforms. The accessibility and diversity these platforms offer allow users to connect with people they might never have met otherwise. For those with busy lifestyles, online dating offers a convenient way to meet like-minded individuals. The ability to filter potential matches by interests, values, and goals increases the likelihood of finding a compatible partner. For some, the anonymity of online communication can help build confidence and foster open, honest dialogue that might be difficult in face-to-face encounters.
The Risks: The Double-Edged Sword of Anonymity
However, the anonymity that facilitates open conversation can also be a breeding ground for deceit. One of the most significant risks of online dating is the potential for encountering dishonesty. From fake profiles to catfishing, where individuals pretend to be someone they’re not, the online dating world can be a minefield. There’s also the danger of scams, where fraudsters exploit emotional vulnerabilities for financial gain. Moreover, online dating can expose users to harassment and unwanted advances, with the safety of personal information becoming a major concern.
The Failures: When Expectations Meet Reality
Despite the potential for success, not all online dating experiences end well. The reality of meeting someone in person can starkly contrast with the carefully curated online persona. Misaligned expectations, whether about physical appearance, personality, or intentions, often lead to disappointment. Additionally, the sheer volume of choices on dating platforms can lead to a paradox of choice, where users find it challenging to commit to a single person, always wondering if someone “better” is just a swipe away.
In conclusion, online dating offers incredible opportunities to find meaningful connections but not without its pitfalls. Success requires careful navigation of the risks and a healthy dose of realism when translating a virtual relationship into real life. For every love story born online, there are tales of caution that remind us that the digital age of romance is as complex as it is convenient.
Kitchie Ohh. First Shoot. Photo: Michael Bann aka Victor Devilbliss. Copyright 2024
Text by Kitchie Ohh, Copyright 2024
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In Memorium
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A Muse in Grief
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“Sometimes, you meet someone and, in an instant, you connect with them and know no matter what your relationship becomes, you will be forever comforted by their mere existence.”
It’s true. The man who said that would know, of course. I think for as much as he felt it about anyone, more people than he realized felt that way about him. Who is he, you wonder? Musician, writer, photographer extraordinaire, and my friend, Micael F. Bann. Quite a few of my previous posts here include photos taken by him under his alias of Victor Devilbliss.
My very first photoshoot occurred in 2013. I hadn’t planned on doing more, or doing anything with the resulting photos. But something just clicked and I wanted more. It took me a while to work up the nerve. The first first step came unexpectedly. Social media served me up an ad for a retro-themed magazine called Retro Lovely. I began following it, loving the posts and images. I wanted to be among them, but didn’t think I was good enough. Then, I saw a call for submissions for a spinoff of this main magazine called Kat Club. I decided I would go for it. With the permission of the photographer from that first shoot, I sent in a few images. On April 24, 2015 my picture was promoted as being included in the latest issue. Sadly, just before going to print, the entire Retro Lovely line folded. At the time, all issues were being traditionally printed and sold through mail order. The cost and effort just was not feasible, long-term,for a one-man operation. I was bummed but so proud of myself for doing it!
I went on to do three more shoots before stepping onto a set with the incredible Michael Bann, a.k.a. Victor Devilbliss, creator of the Retro Lovely Magazine line, in October 2017. Looking back, what’s incredibly funny is that I booked that photoshoot due to being a huge fan of the artist scheduled to provide hair and makeup, figuring it was probably the one chance I would ever have to work with her. The legendary photographer was secondary in my decision. Funny how that shook out. I never worked with that artist again but developed a close friendship with Michael and shot with him seven more times in his studio, his home, and other awesome locations requiring significant road tripping. I submitted our photos to various publications and was always excited to share when accepted.
Somewhere in the middle of that friendship and photography, Retro Lovely Magazine found new life. It was reborn in mid 2018, through a more cost-effective print-on-demand platform but with the same meticulously curated content for which the original publication was known. I was trusted with the news before the relaunch, assisting with proofreading the website copy and submission forms before they went live. I was excited for him. We had discussed at length how much he loved it and how devastated he was when he had to give it up. While it was a project he enjoyed and poured himself into, it came with pitfalls of course. He had developed quite the aversion to models and photographers who begged and bargained to appear on covers; who contacted him with horror stories about others to persuade him not to accept submissions or work with them; and so much more. He navigated it all without ever compromising who he was. I was extremely honored, and incredibly humbled when he messaged one day with a “so I was thinking…” and then a few minutes pause, which was a very Michael thing to do. I was expecting a novel-length message to follow about some crazy thing he experienced or an idea he had and wanted to bounce off me. Instead, it was a photo from that first time we worked together, mocked up for the cover of his magazine. I had barely grasped what it was he was showing me before several more messages came through pointing out how the set was perfect because he was able to shoot wide and the picture lined up for a wraparound cover. I finally understood and Retro Lovely Magazine No. 14 published in August 2018. He shocked me further by later telling me that he also sent a few photos from this set to a ‘hot rod’ magazine. They had chosen one to include in their upcoming issue. It was a publication that was a regularly mailed subscription and was also available in retail stores and newsstands. When it was released, he sent me a video of him entering the local Wal-Mart, finding the magazine on the shelf, flipping to our page, and purchasing it. He surprised me one more time after that, in April 2022. After our final spontaneous road-trip, destination photoshoot, I found myself once again, unexpectedly, on the cover of a Retro Lovely publication, this time it was Cassandra which had a very glamorous, opulent kind of feel to the images it contained. He made sure that I recognized that the title of the magazine was made to look like the glittery surface of the table in the photo. Of course it did. That was the kind of detail he just loved, the small things that made huge difference if you took the time to notice.
On set for photoshoots and in between, we often talked about life in general; family, work, relationships, anything, everything, and absolutely nothing, because sometimes you just need to talk nonsense and laugh. He was really good at that; at listening, remembering details, and making people feel at ease. It didn’t matter if you knew him for decades or days, he left an impression. Michael accepted people for who they were, brought out the best in them and and captured that in his photography. There are countless people who would say the same and then some. In fact, many of them poured good thoughts, prayers and energy out to him when he announced in early June that needed to take a brief break from everything – photos, music, Retro Lovely – due to a medical issue. Shortly after that announcement, he shared the gravity of the situation with all of us. He was diagnosed with a large mass on the back of his brain. It would require near-immediate surgery to remove it. Despite the seriousness, Michael posted with all the irreverence and humor we loved about him right up until that surgery. And never posted again.
Technically, he made it through the procedure. Complications afterward proved fatal.
He entered the hospital on June 7, and left this world June 21. It won’t ever be the same. I don’t just mean that for me. I don’t think he would have ever, in life, acknowledged the impact he had. I hope he knew it was enormous and reached so far. I still have not wrapped my head around the fact that he is gone.
How do you say goodbye to someone so much larger than life itself? You don’t, really. You remember, fondly. You cry, you laugh, you create, you keep them alive through you. I’ll close this the way I opened, with words from my friend, Michael Bann, who will be missed more than any words can ever express.
“The days after my last, think of me with peace. Recall a smile I drew from you, though new ones will have ceased. The weeks after my last, remember love I gave you, forgive the times I let you down, it was not my wish to do so. The years after my last, let my memory hold you. Know you meant the world to me, though I’m unable to console you.”
Photos shared here are from our first shoot and our last shoot.
In loving memory of Michael F. Bann, March 25, 1965-June 21, 2024.
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Kitchie Ohh. Last Shoot. Photo: Michael Bann aka Victor Devilbliss, Copyright 2024
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Kitchie Ohh is a full-time professional fundraiser who has worked with a number of health and human services nonprofits in the Philadelphia area over the last 20 years. She found her passion for modeling after a pinup-style photoshoot in 2013. Since then, she has worked with many talented photographers, stylists, hair and makeup artists in a variety of styles. She has been featured in- and on the covers of – multiple print and digital publications. Over the years, she has branched out from pinup studio modeling to serve as a figure model for live sketching, walked a runway, and was part of two campaigns for Philadelphia designer K. Vaughn.
In addition to her philanthropy-focused career, she has volunteered with art, historical, and community organizations, and even the events team of a local brewery for a while, pre-pandemic.
You’re just as likely to find her whipping up something deliciously plant-based in her kitchen or knitting a sweater as you are to find her on a photography set. Her motto is “be both.” The model and the homemaker, sultry and sweet, serious and silly. All the things, all at once. To access additional articles by Kitchie Ohh, link here:https://tonyward.com/kitchie-ohh-theres-always-one/
